That is such an important point you make regarding what’s popular in your state since you will have to work under supervision. I live in Texas have gone back and forth between LPC and MFT and videos like this really help!
Thank you Allyssa I appreaciate the info. I was always considering MFT until I learned about the LPC. My focus I'm interested in is mental health and nutrition.. so I can see how LPC could be a better path. It would be great to connect with you!
I have been researching all of the fields of therapy and counseling. Everything you mentioned here I absolutely agree with. I live in California and I want to pursue a career in counseling/therapy. I honestly can say that MFTs are more in demand here just by looking into job applications and such. When I wanted to go into counseling/therapy I had a VERY DIFFICULT time with the acronyms and what was in demand in my state. Then seeing the difference across the nation for demand and pricing. All of it plays a factor LOL. I didn't know for certain what field I wanted to pursue but I feel like now it's more MFT and not so much on LPC because LPC is broader than MFT. As you said MFT is just for families and couples and relationships. SO FOR SURE I WANT TO STAY WITHIN THAT VICINITY. Because I see that I like helping families so much and I help couples A LOT surprisingly. So yeah I can agree that it's straining/stressful but even at that I wanna help with couples LOL. SO for real thank you for this video because it confirmed everything I have been researching for like....a few months now. So truly thank you!
You bring up great points. I wish I would have know that lobbying affects the popularity and job prospects. Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW) are the top rank within mental health for NY state, because they have had 30 years of lobbying. Even licensed master social workers (LMSW) can become directors of clinics and nonprofit programs, even they need to be supervised themselves clinically. While I love the lens of being a couples and family therapist, it was extremely hard to find a supervisor and jobs in community health when people see MFTs not as comparable. LPC, which are called LMHC in NY, are slowly rising in popularity and as supervisors in community health. I wish we can change the narrative about family therapists learning the same clinical skills. LMFT and LMHC are just now getting diagnosing privileges in NY state this year in June. None of this was advertised or mentioned during graduate school or on the NY state website.
I'm in California, which was the last state to even recognize the profession of LPCC in 2009. I took the dual track LPCC/LMFT in grad school because I didn't know if I was going to stay in California. It is only since January 2022 that LPCC's are now able to treat couples and families (in other words, the same privileges as MFT's) without completing the supervised child/family hours. I am currently an AMFT & APCC. Because I work in an agency that does not afford opportunities to work extendedly with families, I don't have the 500 hours needed. Sooooo, I am strictly preparing for the NCMHCE for licensure as an LPCC. I agree about what has been said about LCSW/MSW's advancement because of their lobbying. If I had known that, I might have chosen the social work track. However, because of my specific circumstances and interests, I am quite happy with my choice.
Debating between LPC and MFT. What’s challenging is that MFT curriculum is very interesting to me, but I am not sure I want to be working with couples/families (I haven’t tried lol), I want to work with individuals. I wonder if doing MA in Clinical Counseling W/ MFT specialization would give me enough knowledge. I don’t know, I am most, tbh. Each has its own + and - . Your video was very helpful! Thank you.
I would say that plenty of MFT's work with individuals too...it doesn't mean you can only be a couples/family therapist. If that interests you and its widely accepted in your state I would go for it!
Love your comment❤. I feel the same . I am very interested in the coursework to become an LMFT, but I want to work with individuals as well. Yes I want to work with couples but I am very interested in working with individuals in areas they need help in before committed relationships. My program starts next summer. I was set on the MFT track and now Im kinda back to comparing.
Greatly appreciate this video! Im a current grad student in OH nearing internship. I am looking into the possibility of a doctoral program in counselor ed. and sup. (post M.A. graduation and internships). I am starting to realize that my interests for research and practice may involve working with families as well as individuals which makes the licensure track (rather MFT or LPC) difficult to choose and navigate at this point in my journey. Especially since counselor ed. and sup. programs generally require an independent and sup. endorsements at some point along the way... Can LPC(C)s legally provide services to a family in session? Super excited to now have a counselor/content creator from OH to follow and share with others! :)
Hi, some schools offer a degree that covers both tracks After graduating you will need to take 2 sets of tests and file for both licenses independently
Would love to connect with you. I’m in school now. If there is an email I can reach you at or a consultation you are willing to have , let me know. Thanks!
